Friday 5/12/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dustin Hawkins
May 12 '17, 10:05 PM
MLB | Tigers vs Angels
Play on: Tigers +127 at BMaker

Bonus Play on Tigers +127

Jordan Zimmermann is 24-9 against the money line when playing a marginal losing team (46-49% win Pct.) in his career. LA Angels are only 9-22 against the line when playing on Friday over the past 2 seasons, and 11-23 in home games after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7 games over the past 2 seasons . Play on the Detroit Tigers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rob Vinciletti

Astros vs. Yankees
Play: Under 8

The Astros have Mcculers going and he has gone under in 3 of 4 as a road favorite and has a 1.50 Era vs the Yankees. Montgomery for New York has looked good thus far this season. Both teams have solid bullpens as well. This game also applies to a solid totals system that has won 31 of 43 times and plays under for road favorites with a total of 8 or less off a 1 run road dog win where they scored 4 or less runs, vs an opponent like the Yankees that are off a 1 run home favored loss scoring 2 or less on 5+ hits. Look for another lower scoring game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Andrew Gold
May 12 '17, 7:05 PM
MLB | Astros vs Yankees
Play on: Yankees +107 at betonline

The Yankees dropped game 1 of this series yesterday. They still hit the ball well, just couldn't score any runs. McCullers is a tad overrated as he brings a 5.51 road ERA.

Montgomery has been a bright spot for the Yankees. The lefty is 2-1 on the year with a 3.81 ERA. He is coming off a very impressive performance at the Cubs where he went 6 two thirds only giving up 2 earned runs.

The Astros offense goes downhill when facing a lefty only averaging 4.3 runs a game

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Williams
May 12 '17, 10:15 PM
MLB | Reds vs Giants
Play on: Giants -144 at 5Dimes

1* on Giants -144

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicappers Hub
May 12 '17, 8:40 PM
MLB | LAD vs COL
Play on: OVER 9½ -109

Wind is blowing straight out to Left on a perfect night in Denver and Tyler Chatwood is struggling for the Rockies with a 2-2 record and 5.40 ERA at home this season. The good news is, the Rockies have some success against Kershaw giving him a 3.15 ERA and already beating him once this year.

Look for a lot of runs and the ball leaving the ballpark often tonight for a Bonus Play over!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jimmy Boyd
May 12 '17, 9:40 PM
MLB | Pirates vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -137 at betonline

Free Pick on Diamondbacks -

I like the value here with Arizona at home against the Pirates. The Diamondbacks hit a bit of a slump here recently, but come in having won 2 straight and I look for them to make it 3 in a row and add to the Pirates 5-game losing streak and dismal 6-14 record on the road. Arizona also owns a nice edge on the mound in this one.

The Diamondbacks are going to send out Pat Corbin, whose numbers took a big hit in his last start, when he allowed 8 runs in 4 innings. That came in Colorado, where much better pitchers have equally bad performances. Prior to that Corbin hadn't allowed more than 3 earned runs in his first 6 starts. He's got a 1.54 ERA at home this season and I look for him to bounce back here against a Pirates offense that has scored 3 or fewer runs in 6 straight and 8 of 9 overall. Plus, Pittsburgh is sending out Tyler Glasnow and his 6.33 ERA and 1.926 (6 starts) against a Diamondbacks offense that averages 6.1 runs/game at home. Take Arizona!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Teddy Davis
May 12 '17, 7:05 PM
MLB | Mariners vs Blue Jays
Play on: Blue Jays -123 at betonline

The Blue Jays bats have now finally woken up. They have scored 7 and 8 runs the past two days and look for that to carry over tonight.

Biagini has only made one start this season but it was a good one against the Rays going 4 innings and giving up 0 runs.

Seattle has been a bad road team with a 7-13 record and send Bergman to the mound making his season debut tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dennis Macklin
May 12 '17, 9:40 PM
MLB | Pirates vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -137 at betonline

DMack's Bonus Play for Friday, May 12, 2017 is on the Arizona DBacks (Corbin listed)

Pirate fans can go to sleep until 2037 which is likely to be the next time they make the playoffs. Pitt had it's brief run after 20 years of futility but sadly this is an organization that is into making money rather than putting product on the field. This version on the Bucs is hitting .175 L7 and has lost five straight. Pitt is 6-14 on the road and while Patrick Corbin is not much, he's tough at home (1.54 ERA 2017) and the Snakes can hit and always give you an honest effort.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Boston At Washington

When: 8:00 PM ET, Friday, May 12, 2017
Where: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia

The Boston Celtics are on the verge of advancing to the Eastern Conference finals but still have yet to prove they can win on the road in the semifinals. The Celtics will go for their first road win of the series and the clinching victory when they visit the Washington Wizards for Game 6 on Friday.

Boston used Washington's defensive focus on All-Star Isaiah Thomas to its advantage in the 123-101 win on Wednesday as the 5-9 guard showed off his abilities as a screen-setter and passer to keep the Wizards off balance. "As a basketball player, you've got to read what the defense is giving you, and they're really having two or three guys on me at all times," Thomas told reporters. "So what I'm trying to do is give other guys space, create space for others and also be a good screen-setter." Washington used a 22-0 run in Game 3 and a 26-0 spurt in Game 4 to create separation in a pair of home wins but failed to get the defensive stops that led to those runs in Game 5. "All we can do is focus on Game 6 at home," Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal told reporters. "Both teams been playing well at home. We've got to come out desperate, so to speak."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT THE CELTICS: With Thomas going to work as a facilitator, shooting guard Avery Bradley was free to do some scoring in Game 5 and poured in 25 of his career postseason-high 29 points in the first half as Boston raced out to a big lead. "He was the key to this game," Thomas told reporters of Bradley. "On both ends of the floor, offensively and defensively, he did it all, and we need that from him. Especially in Game 6, we're gonna need that from him. I'm proud of him. I told him before the game that I believe in him, and he's gonna have a big game, and he did." Bradley went 12-of-19 from the floor in the win after totaling 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting in Games 3 and 4.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS: Washington had all the momentum going into Game 5 after winning the previous two games by a total of 46 points but ended up shooting 38.5 percent from the floor in Game 5 while allowing Boston to go off at 52.9 percent. "It started with the focus," Wizards Coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "That was our No. 1 mistake. We didn’t have the focus that it would have taken to win in this building." Shooting guards Beal and Bojan Bogdanovic combined to go 8-of-26 from the floor - 1-of-8 from beyond the arc - in the loss.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The winner will play the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.

2. Boston C Al Horford is shooting 69.4 percent from the floor and 58.8 percent from 3-point range in the series.

3. Washington PG John Wall handed out four assists in Game 5 - his lowest total of the postseason.

PREDICTION: Wizards 119, Celtics 110

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Boston at Washington


ATS Trends


Boston
•Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
• Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
• Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
• Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
• Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Celtics are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Celtics are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 Friday games.



Washington
•Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
• Wizards are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS loss.
• Wizards are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up loss.
• Wizards are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 Friday games.
• Wizards are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Wizards are 7-20-1 ATS in their last 28 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Wizards are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.


OU Trends


Boston
•Over is 8-1 in Celtics last 9 vs. NBA Southeast.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Celtics last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 overall.
• Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 road games.
• Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 Conference Semifinals games.
• Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Under is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 Friday games.



Washington
•Over is 3-0-1 in Wizards last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
• Over is 7-1 in Wizards last 8 Friday games.
• Over is 5-1 in Wizards last 6 overall.
• Over is 5-1 in Wizards last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Over is 5-1 in Wizards last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Over is 5-1 in Wizards last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
• Over is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 Conference Semifinals games.
• Over is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Over is 20-7 in Wizards last 27 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 21-9-1 in Wizards last 31 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.


Head to Head


•Favorite is 12-2 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
• Home team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
• Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Celtics are 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
• Celtics are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Washington.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cappers Access

Wizards -5
Yankees +128
Cardinals -125

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pure Lock
MLB | May 12, 2017
Astros vs. Yankees
Yankees +107 at 5DIMES

Pure Lock's FREE MLB play Friday 5-12-17

NY Yankees +107

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

R&R Totals
MLB | May 12, 2017
Cubs vs. Cardinals
Total 8½ +100 at BETONLINE

R&R Totals FREE MLB Over-Under Friday 5-12-17

OVER 8 1/2 Chicago Cubs/St Louis

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Yankees
GAME: Houston Astros (24-11) at New York Yankees (21-11)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 12 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

An early-season showdown among two of the American League's best teams will have a hard act to follow after a dramatic ending to the series opener. The visiting Houston Astros will carry a four-game winning streak and the best record in the majors into Friday's matchup against the New York Yankees in the second of a four-game set.

Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick nailed down Houston's 3-2 victory in the series opener, throwing out Jacoby Ellsbury at the plate for the final out of the game. Shortstop Carlos Correa's two run blast gave him seven RBIs in the past three games for the Astros, who have won nine of their last 11. New York rolled up 48 runs during a six-game winning streak, but has scored only five times in dropping back-to-back games for only the second time since the season's opening week. Gary Sanchez has five RBIs during a five-game winning streak after delivering the single that plated the Yankees' second run before Ellsbury was gunned down.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports Southwest (Houston), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers Jr. (2-1, 3.40 ERA) vs. Yankees LH Jordan Montgomery (2-1, 3.81)

McCullers had to settle for a no-decision despite a stellar performance at the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, when he allowed one earned run on two hits in a season high-tying seven innings. He also did not factor in the decision in his previous turn, a 10-strikeout effort in which he worked 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball. He also had 10 strikeouts in his lone start versus New York.

Montgomery pitched a career-high 6 2/3 innings at the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, picking up the victory after giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits. It was the third quality start in the past four turns for the 24-year-old rookie, who has allowed four walks in each of his last two outings. Montgomery has held the opposition to 3-for-29 with runners in scoring position.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York has had six runners thrown out at home plate this season, tying Boston for the league lead.

2. Houston's 24-11 record marks the team's best 35-game start in franchise history.

3. Ellsbury has reached base on catcher's interference 28 times in his career, one shy of Pete Rose's major league record.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Astros 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Nationals
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (13-19) at Washington Nationals (22-12)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 12 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia

A dramatic walk-off victory following by an unexpected extra day of rest has the Washington Nationals in a better physical state as they prepare to open a three-game series against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night. Washington snapped a four-game skid with a 7-6 Wednesday before Thursday's game versus Baltimore was rained out.

The Nationals own the best record in the National League after rallying for five runs in the final two innings Wednesday night. The postponement allowed Washington to skip A.J. Cole, Thursday's scheduled fill-in starter, but also provide some respite for its beleaguered bullpen with a pair of fresh arms on the way. The Phillies have been in a spiral since ripping off six consecutive victories from April 20-27, dropping 10 of their last 12. Philadelphia gave up 21 runs in a two-game interleague series versus Seattle and now hits the road for nine straight games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (0-2, 5.40 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-1, 3.46)

Pivetta was a fourth-round draft pick of Washington in 2013 and will get a second crack at the organization as he prepares to make his third career start. The 24-year-old Canadian was tagged for four runs on nine hits over five innings on May 5 versus the Nationals, serving up three solo homers. Pivetta gave up two runs on nine hits in five innings at the Dodgers on April 30.

Washington's bullpen cost Roark a victory last time out after he permitted two runs (zero earned) on only two hits over six innings on Sunday. Roark also did not factor in the decision against Philadelphia on April 15 despite working a season-high seven innings and yielding two runs on four hits. Odubel Herrera has hit Roark well, going 9-for-21 with three doubles and three RBIs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals 1B Ryan Zimmerman went 1-for-14 in the series versus the Orioles, dropping his batting average from .435 to .393.

2. Phillies OF Aaron Altherr is 13-for-30 with five homers and 15 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak

3. Nationals RHPs Shawn Kelley and Koda Glover are both expected to be activated off the 15-day disabled list on Friday.

PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Phillies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Blue Jays
GAME: Seattle Mariners (17-18) at Toronto Blue Jays (14-21)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 12 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

The Toronto Blue Jays answered a brutal start to the season by turning jeers into cheers with their recent spirited play at Rogers Center. Winners of four of five overall, the Blue Jays vie for their sixth victory in their last seven outings at home on Friday when they play the second contest of their four-game series against the Seattle Mariners.

Justin Smoak led the charge in the series opener versus his former team, belting a solo homer to highlight a four-RBI performance in Thursday's 7-2 victory. The 30-year-old, who played parts of five seasons with Seattle, has gone deep three times among his 14 hits in his last 12 games while recording 11 RBIs and nine runs scored in that stretch. Mariners leadoff hitter Jean Segura is also swinging a hot bat with seven multi-hit performances in his last eight contests and is a staggering 20-for-47 with 12 runs scored during his 10-game hitting streak. Segura's heroics were not enough on Thursday as Seattle saw its winning streak snapped at four while Toronto will bid to match a season-high three-game winning streak with a victory on Friday.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Christian Bergman (0-0, 2.45 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Joe Biagini (0-1, 2.78)

Bergman is receiving the nod on the heels of Hisashi Iwakuma becoming the fourth starter placed on the disabled list. The 29-year-old allowed one run on one hit in 3 2/3 innings of relief in a no-decision versus Texas on Sunday. Fifteen of Bergman's 56 appearances have been starts, although all but one came during the 2014 and 2015 seasons with Colorado.

Biagini fared well in his first career start on Sunday, allowing one run on two hits and striking out four in as many innings of a no-decision at Tampa Bay. The 26-year-old was thrust into the rotation due to injuries to right-hander Aaron Sanchez (finger) and left-hander J.A. Happ (elbow) as well as right-hander Mat Latos being designated for assignment. Biagini, who has made 74 career relief appearances, will make his first start at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. The availability of Seattle 2B Robinson Cano is in question for Friday's game after the seven-time All-Star was scratched from the starting lineup in the opener with a strained right quadriceps.

2. Toronto LF Ezequiel Carrera is 6-for-13 with a homer, two RBIs and four runs scored in his last three games.

3. The Mariners claimed RHP Casey Lawrence off waivers from the Blue Jays prior to the series opener and optioned the 29-year-old to Triple-A Tacoma.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Blue Jays 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at Red Sox
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (17-20) at Boston Red Sox (18-16)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 12 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

The Tampa Bay Rays went from 12 runs one day to zero the next in finishing out a 3-6 homestand and are looking ahead at a six-game road trip against a pair of teams that were in the playoffs last season. The Rays will kick off the trip by visiting American League East rival Boston Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.

Tampa Bay's offense exploded in a 12-1 win that snapped a three-game slide on Wednesday but disappeared again on Thursday as it dropped the rubber match of a three-game series to the Kansas City Royals 6-0. "It's difficult," Thursday starter Jake Odorizzi, who suffered the loss despite allowing one run in six innings, told reporters. "We're in a lot of games, which is a plus. But we just need to find a way to close games out and get us back in the win column." The Red Sox found a way to win a close game and get back into the win column on Thursday, when Mookie Betts helped the team avoid a three-game sweep at Milwaukee by blasting a three-run homer in the ninth inning to give the team a 4-1 triumph. Betts is 10-for-22 since moving into the leadoff spot in the order and will try to stay hot on Friday against Rays right-hander Alex Cobb, who opposes Boston's Rick Porcello.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Alex Cobb (2-3, 3.56 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (2-4, 3.95)

Cobb enjoyed his longest outing of the season Sunday but could not get any support from the Tampa Bay offense and ended up suffering the loss despite allowing two runs and four hits in eight frames against Toronto. The 29-year-old has surrendered two or fewer earned runs in each of his last three turns, including six scoreless frames at Miami on May 2. Cobb got the start at Boston on April 16 and did not fare as well, yielding four runs and 11 hits in five innings without factoring in the decision.

Porcello, who is flashing his Cy Young form of late and owns a 1.69 ERA over his last four starts, snapped a five-start winless streak by holding Minnesota to one run in seven innings on Saturday. The New Jersey native did not issue a walk in either of his last two outings and has 45 strikeouts versus only nine walks in 43 1/3 total innings this season. Porcello suffered through his worst start of the campaign against Tampa Bay on April 14, when he was lit up for eight runs on eight hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays OF Steven Souza Jr. (thumb) sat out the last three games and remains day-to-day.

2. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts is enjoying a 14-game hitting streak.

3. Tampa Bay two-time Gold Glove winning CF Kevin Kiermaier has committed three errors in the last four games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rays 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Indians
GAME: Minnesota Twins (17-14) at Cleveland Indians (18-15)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 12 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

Ervin Santana penned a brilliant beginning to the season with six scintillating starts before coming unglued in his last trip to the mound. The 34-year-old looks to atone for that performance on Friday as the Minnesota Twins visit Progressive Field to open a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians.

While Santana served up a career high-tying four homers in Sunday's 17-6 shellacking at the hands of Boston, the veteran right-hander saw his team go deep on three occasions in Thursday's 7-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Minnesota improved to 9-4 on the road by winning both games of its rain-shortened series versus Chicago and moved percentage points ahead of Cleveland for first place in the American League Central. Francisco Lindor went 5-for-14 with two RBIs and two runs scored as the Indians dropped two of three to Toronto to complete a 4-5 road trip on Wednesday. The 23-year-old was limited to just three hits versus Minnesota earlier in the season, but the Indians outscored the Twins 20-7 to win all three games of the rain-shortened series from April 17-20.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (5-1, 1.72 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (2-3, 7.12)

Santana allowed just three runs and 16 hits over his first six starts (41 innings), picking up the win in all but one as he settled for a hard-luck no-decision versus Cleveland on April 20. Santana permitted just one run on four hits in that contest, although his pitch count elevated to a season-high 113 to end his evening. That performance was significantly greater than his last outing on Sunday, as he yielded six runs on five hits and walked three batters for the third time in four outings.

Tomlin pieced together his best start of the season by allowing one run on three hits in seven innings against Kansas City on Saturday, but was left with a no-decision. The 32-year-old pitched well in his previous meeting with Minnesota, recording the victory on the heels of a quality start on April 18. Tomlin will have an extra day of rest under his belt before facing the Twins, although his 1-2 mark with a 9.95 ERA in three home starts leaves plenty to be desired.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez is batting a staggering 20-for-44 with three homers and 12 RBIs at home this season.

2. Minnesota SS Eduardo Escobar, who belted a three-run homer on Thursday, has gone deep three times with eight RBIs and six runs scored in his last eight contests.

3. The Indians have won four of their last five home games to even their mark to 6-6 at Progressive Field.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Marlins
GAME: Atlanta Braves (11-20) at Miami Marlins (13-20)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 12 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida

The Miami Marlins are losers of three straight and 12 of their last 15 games as the offense struggles to keep up with a leaky pitching staff. The Atlanta Braves, who visit the Marlins on Friday for the opener of a three-game series, are losers of six straight and are tied with Miami for the most losses in the National League East (20).

The Marlins scored at least four runs in each game of a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this week but watched the pitching staff surrender at least six in every contest. "We're capable," Miami manager Don Mattingly told reporters. "One thing we have to remember, as a group, is we're capable of putting some wins together and still playing pretty good baseball." The Marlins will try to coax a strong start on Friday out of right-hander Jose Urena, who is making his second turn in the rotation, while the Braves counter with Mike Foltynewicz. Atlanta is being outscored 49-17 during its six-game slide and can't seem to get anyone on base in front of Freddie Freeman, who has 12 home runs but just 20 RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. FSN South (Atlanta), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (0-4, 4.55 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (1-0, 1.69)

Foltynewicz is still looking for his first win of the season and suffered through his worst outing against St. Louis last Friday, when he was lit up for seven runs on nine hits and two walks in four innings. The 25-year-old surrendered two or fewer earned runs in each of his first five appearances but could not get enough support to join the win column. Foltynewicz came out of the bullpen at Miami on April 11 and allowed two runs in as many innings.

Urena is responsible for one of the Marlins' few wins of late when he dominated the New York Mets on Sunday, allowing one hit in six scoreless innings. The Dominican Republic native made his first six appearances this season out of the bullpen but joined the rotation when Edinson Volquez (blister) went down. Urena has not enjoyed much success against Atlanta in his career, posting a 0-2 record with a 15.75 ERA in five games - two starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins INF J.T. Riddle (finger) was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday and is day-to-day.

2. Braves 2B Brandon Phillips is 3-for-26 in his last seven games.

3. Miami LF Marcell Ozuna homered twice and drove in six runs in a win over Atlanta on April 11.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Marlins 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Rangers
GAME: Oakland Athletics (16-18) at Texas Rangers (16-20)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 12 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

The Texas Rangers answered an offensive malaise in which they scored six runs during a three-game losing skid by erupting for 20 during their current three-game winning streak. The Rangers look to continue to swing loud bats on Friday when they begin their third three-game series of the season against the Oakland Athletics, with this one at Globe Life Park.

Mike Napoli concluded his two-homer performance versus San Diego with a three-run shot in the ninth inning of Thursday's 5-2 victory for Texas, which will bid to win four in a row for the first time since sweeping Kansas City from April 20-23. Napoli could use a jolt against the Athletics, as the 35-year-old is just 3-for-24 with 10 strikeouts in the season series. Strikeouts have been nothing new for Oakland's Khris Davis, who is riding a club-record streak for a non-pitcher by fanning at least once in 21 consecutive games. Davis did find time to make some actual contact with an RBI single in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, marking the Athletics' fourth win in five outings.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, NBC Sports California (Oakland), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Jesse Hahn (1-2, 3.03 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Andrew Cashner (0-3, 2.63)

After working at least six innings in each of his previous four turns, Hahn allowed four runs for the second straight start and issued four walks in 3 2/3 frames of Saturday's no-decision versus Detroit. The 27-year-old has pitched well in a pair of six-inning outings against Texas this season, permitting two runs in a no-decision on April 7 before picking up his lone win 12 days later after yielding one run on two hits. Hahn has faced the Rangers on three other previous occasions, posting a 1-1 career mark with a 4.13 ERA.

Cashner's hard-luck season continued on Sunday as the 30-year-old received a no-decision despite allowing one run on four hits in six innings at Seattle. Cashner, who is still in search of his first win, permitted five earned runs over his last four outings and limited the opposition to a .208 batting average this season. He hasn't done himself any favors with his control, however, as he has walked 19 batters in 27 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Oakland 1B Yonder Alonso, who has seven homers in his last nine games, went deep on two occasions versus Texas this season.

2. Rangers CF Delino DeShields is hitless in his last 13 at-bats after recording five in his previous three.

3. Athletics C Josh Phegley is expected to be activated from the concussion disabled list for the series opener.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Athletics 3